tightening tie rod ball joints

[lagunae34m5]

I'm swapping the tie rods to cure a front end shimmy. I got the old ones out without much trouble. replaced the boots and clamps and put it all back in using my nifty BMW type hose clamp tool. thank goodness for the Part Tools 32/36 mm wrench.

So now I'm trying to attach the tie rods to the steering arms, but the shaft on the ball joint just spins, so the nut can't tighten. Do I bang the bottom of the tie rod to get it some "purchase" in the steering arm? will that be enough to keep them from spinning enough to get 33 ft-lbs? As usual Bentley offers "installation is the reverse of removal."

thanks,

[ltw97m3]

put a jack under the ball joint and raise the suspension up enough to create a load that will prevent the ball joint from spinning.

[mmark.]

The joint shafts have a taper.
This means that if you push them up into the Knuckles, they won't spin as you tighten the nut.

m

[hissinm3]

Iam about to change both right and left front Tie Rod Assemblies.

Any body know of any write ups?? or difficulty?

Any specials tools you used?

[turbosporttsi]

Try browsing the technical articles on www.pelicanparts.com

They have a writeup for just about everything.

[lagunae34m5]

I used Bentley, which was OK. To get the outer ball joint out you need a tie rod puller. basically a big fork shaped lever to separate the tie rod from the steering arm.

then you'll need a 32/36mm Park Tools flat wrench. any bike shop should have one. I bought new boots and clamps. you'll need new clamps and the BMW type hose clamp tool. (eBay).

once you get the ball joint separated and the boots pulled back, use a screw driver and pliers to straighten the locking plate. then you can get the 32mm wrench in and separate the inner connection from the steering rack. use new locking plates. you could also just buy the outer half of the tie rod if you think only the ball joint is bad to avoid the inner change out. I bought the parts from BMA. each tie rod assembly was $49 for Lemforder. they also have aftermarket.

Iam about to change both right and left front Tie Rod Assemblies.

Any body know of any write ups?? or difficulty?

Any specials tools you used?

[hissinm3]

Whats the locking plate??